Putin's post-victory remarks to press now available in English. Noteworthy: comments on tweaking constitution, admiration for Xi, denial of involvement in Skripal poisoning. en.kremlin.ru/events/preside…

In #Russia, campaigning day before election is illegal, but in typically wily move, Putin boosts tough-guy image with Russia announcing it is expelling 23 British diplomats, closing British Council and St. Petersburg consulate in response to British moves post #Skripal poisoning

Those choosing to leave #EastGhouta's hell must have safe passage but how about those who still reject #Assad & don't want to leave their homes or be pawns in deals between outside powers? Don't just complain about refugees find solutions on the ground now nytimes.com/2018/03/15/wor…

Those choosing to leave #EastGhouta's hell must have safe passage but how about those who still reject #Assad & don't want to leave their homes or be pawns in deals between outside powers? Don't just complain about refugees find solutions on the ground now nytimes.com/2018/03/15/wor…

"Faten describes the current situation in Eastern Ghouta as being "so brutal that when people witness a whole family being killed by airstrikes, they say: ‘It’s maybe more merciful for them to die together, so they don’t leave broken hearts behind.'" twitter.com/zeitonline_pol…

As Moscow rejects Britain's ultimatum over the Skripal poisoning, one Russian paper today says this on UK-Russian ties: "The die is cast, the rubicon crossed." Suggesting the gloves are off, it adds: "Anything that causes pain to the 'partner' is now allowed." pic.twitter.com/hd3r55eE78